Facebook to live stream UEFA Champions League matches in the US through partnership with Fox
June 27, 2017
Football fans in the United States will be able to watch matches from next season’s UEFA Champions League live on Facebook through a partnership with Fox Sports.
The social network will be able to stream Europe’s elite club competition from September through the official Fox Sports Facebook page, and also on their Spanish page to appeal to the Latin community.
The deal follows on from Facebook live acquiring live streaming rights to Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and Liga MX matches.
Fox Sports will live-stream two matches per match day in the group stage, four in the round of 16 matches and four quarterfinal matches. Some matches will be exclusive to Facebook and the Fox Sports Go app, while others will be simulcast on TV.
“Facebook is a social-media powerhouse and a great partner to help us grow soccer in the United States,” said David Nathanson, Fox Sports’ head of business operations. “As people spend more and more time on mobile devices and social networks, offering matches on this platform is a natural extension.”
Football is the most followed sport on Facebook, with 34 million people generating 98 million interactions on the site earlier this month in relation to Real Madrid’s Champions League final triumph over Juventus.
“We’re excited to help Fox reach new audiences, people consuming content on digital, mobile and social,” said Dan Reed, Facebook’s head of global sports partnerships. “We’re bullish on soccer.”
